June 1 - 7, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Please Note: The economy is slowing opening up but not all businesses are back to 100%, some of our advertisements may have incorrect info (hours, days open, etc.) If in doubt, please contact them directly for more information. Click links to their websites. We, Coffee News, plan to return our printed editions in the coming weeks. Stay safe!

Map of America: American Shannon Downey of Chicago, Illinois, loves to embroider. She finds and buys unfinished craft projects at estate sales, which she finishes and donates. She met her match, however, when she bought a huge unfinished quilt and embroidery project of a United States map showing each state’s flower. Not knowing how to quilt, she put out a plea on social media and soon had lots of help. She mailed sections to her helpers, who were asked to mail them back. Downey intends to finish the project that had been started by a woman named Rita Smith, who passed away at age 99.

Long lashes: Two pretty cocker spaniels, who are sisters, are apt to make fashion models jealous. The dogs, Cloe and Nena, have extremely long eyelashes that amaze onlookers. Owner Vittoria Di Castri of Milan, Italy, insists that her pets’ lashes are real. She spends hours grooming the dogs, who love all the attention. Di Castri trims and combs the lashes that can grow more than five centimetres (two inches). The canine pooches have become a social media sensation, and they love to pose for the camera.

Natty knitter: Samuel Barsky of Baltimore, Maryland (U.S.), loves knitting and also loves traveling with Deborah, his wife. This creative fellow has found a way to combine the two. Before leaving for a trip, he designs and knits a sweater with an image of a landmark at his destination. He has knit images of the Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, and Stonehenge onto sweaters. Others feature the Statue of Liberty and London’s Tower Bridge. When he visits each landmark, he takes a photo of himself wearing the appropriate sweater. Barsky is starting to make a name for himself on social media.

Missing boy found: A thermal camera drone operator helped bring about a happy ending to the story of a missing boy. Steve Fines offered to help search for Ethan Haus, a little boy who got lost in the woods with his dog near his home in Sherburne, Minnesota (U.S.). Many volunteers came to help as darkness fell. In the past, Fines had used his camera to find missing cattle, but never children! Coordinating efforts with ground searchers, he was able to zero in on Ethan and his dog, remotely lighting the drone so the searchers could find the spot.

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” - Dorothy Canfield Fisher

“Our way is not soft grass, it’s a mountain path with lots of rocks. But it goes upwards, forward, toward the sun.”

- Ruth Westheimer

How We’ll Keep Transmission Low

What the New Normal Means for You

B.C.’s progress in the fight against COVID-19 is a direct result of the sacrifices and decisions that we have all made. To continue to protect seniors and ‘at risk’ people and ensure that our health care system can respond to this dangerous virus, means that we all have to keep doing our part – at home, in the community and at work.

Stay at home and keep a safe distance from family when you have cold or flu symptoms, including: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue and/or fever.

Enjoy your small group gatherings but meet outside or in bigger spaces. Continue to be mindful of no handshaking or hugs outside of your family. Air hugs only.

Keep physical distancing as much as possible when in the community and where not possible, please use a non-medical mask or face covering.

During this phase 2, BC government are asking people to stay close to home and avoid any travel between communities that is not essential.

1. Is a doubloon coin gold or silver?

2. In the Queen’s English, what is a brolly?

3. Whose initials might you find carved in a tree?

4. Name the bird that can swim but cannot fly.

5. A pommel horse is used in which sport?

(see bottom for answers)

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This may be a time for being with people, and especially for giving something of yourself and your talents to others. You might feel a need to be seen and noticed. Lucky Numbers: 1, 15, 23, 34, 37, 47.

A dear friend or loved one may need your assistance right now. You could be called upon to care for them, so try your best to spread some enjoyment. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 13, 24, 31, 34.

You may be more charismatic, and your life might be likely to be both harmonious and satisfying. Your creative and artistic efforts also could flourish at this time. Lucky Numbers: 9, 17, 29, 35, 39, 45.

Your inner feelings and need for closeness may emerge very strongly. You also might channel these feelings into creative work that expresses your deepest self. Lucky Numbers: 8, 14, 16, 39, 46, 49.

This may be a great time to begin implementing plans that you have made for yourself, as anything you do to move toward achieving a cherished goal might go well. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7, 23, 27, 43, 47.

Making worthwhile professional contacts and reaching out to those who can help you take care of business in an orderly, clear way might be well favoured. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 5, 22, 34, 45.

Acting on impulse, changing your usual routine, and using your intuition, rather than following a prescribed way of doing things, may be called for now. Lucky Numbers: 3, 11, 13, 22, 26, 33.

This may be a time to get feedback from others about what you are doing. Relationships could be activated, and cooperation and compromise might be required. Lucky Numbers: 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39.

You may be creatively, artistically, or spiritually inspired by those around you. Your imagination, intuition, and sensitivity might help you find your true passion. Lucky Numbers: 8, 9, 14, 18, 19, 34.

You may be optimistic, hopeful, and forward looking right now. You might be receptive to the points of view of others. Contracts and negotiations could be favoured. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 22, 27, 31, 34.

This may be a time for you to shine! You might have an extra measure of energy and confidence, and may make a strong impression on those in your environment. Lucky Numbers: 4, 17, 26, 30, 33, 39.

Your reputation may benefit you now. People could see you as a loving and lovable person and as someone who is sensitive to their needs and feelings, Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 24, 27, 36, 44.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Libra winners with the luckiest number being 3.

Night flower: A cactus known as Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus) blooms only once a year for one single night. They grow wild in Mexico, Florida (U.S.), and parts of the Caribbean.

Young singer-songwriter: Canadian musician Shawn Mendes quickly rose to international fame for his pop music. In 2014, his first single was “Life of the Party,” which was released when he was only 15.

Frightful: Someone who is afraid of clowns is said to have coulrophobia. This phobia is not very common. Some researchers think it may come about because a clown’s makeup hides their feelings, and they are mischievous.

Paint the room: If a wall is painted with matte paint, there will be no shine when it dries. Gloss paint, on the other hand, has a lot of shine and therefore will show all the imperfections on the wall.

Wild and free: There are wild horses on the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, off the coast of North Carolina (U.S.). The original horses were left there by Europeans who landed there over 500 years ago.

May 25 - 31, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Please Note: With global & regional events changing so quickly, some of our advertisements may have incorrect info (hours, days open, etc.) If in doubt, please contact them directly for more information. Click links to their websites.

Deep dive: Belize, on the east coast of Central America, is home to some of the best diving in the world. One reason for that is the existence of the Great Blue Hole, located off the country’s coast in the Caribbean Sea. Surrounded by coral reefs, the circular Great Blue Hole is an underwater sink-hole that attracts many species of marine life. It measures 300 metres (984 ft.) across and is 125 metres (410 ft.)deep. Divers can reach the Great Blue Hole by a more than two hour boat ride from Belize City. Boats also can be rented on Ambergris Caye, which is closer.

Money giver: Charities in the city of Braunschweig, Germany, are amazed and grateful for an anonymous donor who has been providing cash to help them do their good deeds. The donor sends a bag of euros to a newspaper office with instructions to give the money to a certain charity. One such “miracle bag” contained €100,000 to be given to a local hospice. For over eight years, bags of money, some containing over €200,000, have intermittently appeared, with the mystery giver identifying soup kitchens, churches, and other worthy causes as recipients.

Turf tradition: For centuries, the traditional home used by the people of Iceland was the turf house. These houses had roofs and thick walls made of a top layer of sod with grass growing out of it. People used turf because trees were not as available for building material. Turf also has good insulating qualities against the winter cold.In the early 1900s, many people still lived in turf houses, but now few remain. However, some have been preserved and maintained by the National Museum of Iceland, allowing visitors to view these traditional abodes.

Peaceful people: A street in Vienna, Austria, is a monument to peace. The winding, dead-end street is called Blutgasse and is one of the oldest in the city. On the street is Peace Museum Vienna, which has a mission to educate visitors toward achieving world peace. The museum is free for anyone who wants to visit the exhibits or attend a discussion. One of the displays, called Windows for Peace, is intriguing. In the museum’s street-facing windows are images of peace heroes, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Bertha von Suttner, author of the novel Lay Down Your Arms.

“All things are to be examined and called into question. There are nolimits set to thought.” - Edith Hamilton

“The greatest liberty that man has taken is with nature.”

- James Bryce

We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses - Alphonse Karr

What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficult and every difficulty has an opportunity - J. Sidlow Baxter

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results… We understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world – although its operation there is just as simple and undeviating – and they, therefore, do not cooperation with it - James Allen

Believing in negative thoughts is the single greatest obstruction to success - Charles F. Glassman

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart - Roy T. Bennett

When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you

- Shannon L.Alder

It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack - Germany Kent

1. What is the German word meaning finished, defeated, or destroyed?

2. The average person blinks how many times a minute?

3. In the world of ice hockey, what is a “blueliner”?

4. Name the leader of the English rock band The Who.

5. What are filled dumplings of Central and Eastern Europe called?

(see bottom for answers)

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You may need to be out and about. You might have significant opportunities to make connections and receive information through a chance encounter. Lucky Numbers: 16, 24, 28, 31, 40, 42.

You may be strongly motivated to achieve your professional goals. You also might want personal recognition for your efforts. Your competitive energies could run high. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 13, 33, 42, 48.

You may get in touch with someone with whom you want to make a connection. This might begin a strong relationship in which you are the pursuer. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 22, 28, 30, 46.

People close to you may be willing to cooperate with you. Your interest in the arts or in promoting harmony and good will between people might be brought out now. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 13, 22, 24, 39.

You may get a better perspective by seeking out people with greater experience, insight, and knowledge. You also might learn much through travel or research. Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 20, 25, 34, 41.

You may be in the mood to experiment and to learn new things. Original ideas might excite you and you may seek people who can offer you a different perspective. Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 12, 20, 24, 36.

You may be eager to discuss and brain storm about getting things accomplished. You might be very assertive and convincing when you present your ideas. Lucky Numbers: 18, 27, 33, 39, 41, 48.

You may inspire others to take action. Group efforts might be favoured. You could be capable of decisive action and have the will to carry through on your intentions. Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 10, 22, 26, 30.

Your intellectual curiosity maybe high now and you may flit from one activity to another. Try to plan outings to satisfy your need to move about and communicate. Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 27, 33, 34, 41.

You may be inclined to take the initiative or to strike out on your own. You might be likely to succeed at whatever you attempt at this time. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 13, 22, 29, 32.

You may be clear, articulate, and communicative. Teaching, public speaking, negotiating, or any endeavour that involves giving information to others could be favoured. Lucky Numbers: 4, 11, 25, 32, 36, 47.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Virgo winners with the luckiest number being 9.

Using names: Anthropologist Jane Goodall studied chimpanzees for 45 years in Tanzania. Rather than numbering the primates she was studying, she named them instead. Some names she chose were David Greybeard, Flint, and Goliath.

Extinct pigeon: Passenger pigeons became extinct about 100years ago. These pigeons, native to North America, were able to fly very fast, attaining speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 km).

Museum founder: Francisco Moreno of Argentina was a famous naturalist and geographer in the 1800s. He founded the La Plata Museum of Natural History in Argentina in 1888, which is an important museum today.

Hot stuff: The datil pepper is a small, hot pepper grown near St. Augustine, Florida (U.S.), where there’s even an annual Datil Pepper Festival. It is used to make hot sauces, mustards, infused vinegars, and jellies.

Big but gentle: Whale sharks, which are docile giants that live in tropical oceans, are the largest living fish. Their life span is about 70 years, but they have been known to live to be 100.

May 18 - 24, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Please Note: With global & regional events changing so quickly, some of our advertisements may have incorrect info (hours, days open, etc.) If in doubt, please contact them directly for more information. Click links to their websites.

Bear scare: Two women in the northern Canadian city of Whitehorse, Yukon, had to take evasive action to get away from a mama bear, which had two cubs in tow. Michelle Beaulieu and Anya Zimmerman were biking along a narrow trail near the Yukon River when the protective mother confronted them. The women ended up abandoning their bikes and swimming across the river to the other side. Luckily, a boat came along. The driver picked them up, retrieved their bikes, and got them safely out of the area.

Looking for dinner: Diners in a restaurant in the town of Canmore, Alberta (Canada), got quite a surprise when a bear wandered in through the open doors to check things out. The cooking aroma coming from the Gaucho Brazilian Barbecue must have been too much to resist. The young bear scared the restaurant’s customers, but didn’t stay long. After only a few seconds, it turned around and walked out, taking another look through the window before running away. Peter Holub, the restaurant’s owner, plans to keep the front door closed from now on.

Sticky stuff: A certain type of glue made by an industrial adhesives company in Germany really sticks. DELO went to great lengths to show the strength of its brand of strong glue. Company representatives arranged to suspend a truck, which weighed over 17.20 metric tonnes (37,919 lbs.), one metre above the ground by attaching it to a crane using a small amount of their glue. The stunt worked. The glue held the truck off the ground for an hour. Because this adhesive is used in the automotive industry and is not commercially available, it’s not possible to get it at a local hardware store!

Waterlogged: Television reporters will do lots of things to get their stories to viewers, but Azadar Hussain of Pakistan did something unique to bring the plight of his country into the limelight. Kot Chatta, in Pakistan’s Punjab region had experienced damaging flooding, so Hussain decided to stand in flood-waters, with only his head, hand, and microphone above water. From there, he proceeded to do his report of the repercussions of the flooding. Although what he did could be perceived as dangerous, the reporter was able to attract worldwide attention from his on-location newscast.

“…we find at the end of a perfect day When Silence speaks for Love she has much to say.” - Richard Garnett

Some of the positive effects of COVID 19:

Helping you Build Genuine Relationships: We all have been so busy living the ‘life,’ many of us have lost those real, genuine moments we have with our loved ones. As life slowed down, we have found ways to stay connected with people, even if it’s virtually.

Entire Lifestyle Changes to Practice Better Hygiene: Times have changed & people are now aware of how important it is to keep yourself clean. From shaking hands to namaste, we all have had a lifestyle change for the good. We’re going to remember to cough in our elbows and to sanitize our hands after touching anything.

Innovations to Stay Connected & Help Each Other: This quarantine welcomes ideas, hacks, tips, & tricks to beat the lockdowns and help our communities. We have started thinking about product and service ranges that enable you to be as connected as you are with your teams and also your loved ones. Finding creative ways to not let the boredom of four walls get you, is the newest trend & rightfully so!

From AirPollution to Wildlife Sightings: These are just a couple results of drastic distancing measures put into place since the beginning of the pandemic. Intended to slow the spread of the virus, these measures have ongoing effects which are not yet fully understood. While COVID-19 has shaken the world, some experts are offering a stark reminder that the pandemic is critically connected to another emergency - climate change.

1. What is wasabi?

2. Is our “funny bone” a bone or a nerve?

3. Identical twins have identical fingerprints - T/F?

4. In which sea would you find the Great Barrier Reef?

5. Who said, “Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else”?

(see bottom for answers)

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You may be decisive and translate your ideas into action. You might be eager to confront conceptual problems and could likely produce very workable plans. Lucky Numbers: 6, 21, 25, 36, 39, 42.

You might want to take time for quiet study and inward reflection. Your intuition and your sensitivity to deep aspects of your situation may be very strong. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 18, 29, 34, 39.

This may be a good time to share your goals with someone in a position to help you. Thinking of concrete ways to turn your dreams into realities might be very fruitful. Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 9, 11, 16, 22.

You may need to lift yourself out of your usual, everyday concerns to get a better perspective. Try to focus on new horizons through travel or study about other cultures. Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 20, 24, 30, 36.

Now may be the time to communicate your passion and share your dreams for the future. You might see connections and possibilities that you previously may have overlooked. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 13, 14, 34, 44.

Your enthusiasm and zest for living may be very high. You could feel more alive and interested in the world about you. Your relationships might be exciting and harmonious. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 22, 42, 43, 47.

Doing your best work and taking pride in it may be a focus for you. This might be a good time to analyze your time and energy, with an eye to improving your productivity. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 22, 31, 37, 43.

You might be less inclined to speak your mind or take a definite stand on important matters. Your wait and see attitude may be the best option for you to take. Lucky Numbers: 4, 12, 17, 23, 34, 42.

You may feel clear and objective about personal matters and your relationships. This might be a favourable time to iron out differences or come to a decision. Lucky Numbers: 6, 13, 18, 25, 33, 48.

Your energy level may be high, so this might be a good time for physical work or team sports. Partnerships or joining others for mutual benefit could go well. Lucky Numbers: 8, 14, 26, 29, 35, 44.

You may feel an urgency to take positive steps to achieve your goals. You might be in tune with the people in your environment who are most able to benefit you. Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 19, 24, 32, 46.

You may be a sympathetic listener, drawing out the personal experiences of others. You might feel inclined to share your deepest feelings, building trust in your relationships. Lucky Numbers: 8, 16, 19, 38, 46, 49.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 8.

Eye acronyms: On prescriptions for eyeglasses, the acronym “OS” means oculus sinister, which is Latin for left eye. “OD” is for oculus dextrus, which is Latin for right eye.

Unreal: A work of art is called “abstract” when artists portray interpretations of their subjects, rather than revealing the actual details. Colour, shapes, or patterns may dominate.

Seedy goodness: Banana passion fruit grows in several South American countries. Smelling a bit like an orange and looking like a small banana, this fruit’s orange pulp has black seeds. Its tangy flavour is good in smoothies and desserts.

Cat problem: If you get scratched by a cat and a few days later notice a sore or blister, you may have cat scratch disease (CSD). This is an infection caused by bacteria in the cat’s saliva. It usually goes away on its own but can be treated if necessary.

Colourful bird: The mulga parrot is a colourful bird found in semi-arid areas of Australia. Its call isn’t loud, but its brilliant emerald feathers and spots of orange, yellow, and violet are easy to see.

May 11 - 17, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Please Note: With global & regional events changing so quickly, some of our advertisements may have incorrect info (hours, days open, etc.) If in doubt, please contact them directly for more information. Click links to their websites.

Sales gimmick: Alexander Kainov, the owner of a three bedroom apartment in Chelyabinsk in western Russia, wanted to sell his abode, but was having trouble attracting interested buyers. So he tried a gimmick: he posted a photo on social media showing the famous American movie director, Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood), in the apartment. But it wasn’t the real Tarantino, just a cardboard cut-out. While a buyer didn’t come out of the woodwork, Kainov’s post went viral, and he hopes the attention will eventually attract some offers.

Beach bound: A beautiful beach in Australia was once a banana grove. In the 1930s, the Watego family set up operations on what is now Watego Beach, located on the country’s most easterly point at Byron Bay. This white sand paradise is a quieter alternative to Australia’s busy beach resorts. It has picnic tables and barbecues available for those who want to cook a lunch. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers love this spot. When they get tired of the sand, they can take a walk up the path to Cape Byron Lighthouse, which was built in 1901 and overlooks Byron Bay.

Colourful town: The town of Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, is said to be the most colourful in the country. That’s because everyone decorates their homes and businesses with brightly coloured paint in many different designs. A home might have a background of red with orange and green flowers, while a bakery might have images of bread loaves. Known as zocalos, these paintings can even tell a story of a journey or a historical figure. Guatapé is located 82 kilometres (51 mi.) east of the big city of Medellín and is a tourist attraction for bothColombians and visitors.

Illegal bean: A bean that is native to South America is illegal in the United States. It’s called the tonka bean and is known for its many scents. Looking a bit like a raisin, the tonka bean smells like a combination of vanilla, cherry, almond, and cinnamon. The bean’s shavings are used in such things as ice cream, beverages, and pastries. The ban in the United States stems from the fact that the bean contains coumarin, which can cause health problems. However, aficionados say it would take a large amount of beans to cause a problem. Cooks around the world use a small amount in a variety of dishes.

1. If you are “cack-handed,” are you lucky at cards or accident prone?

2. How many sides are there in a nonagon?

3. Cobalt and Prussian are shades of which colour?

4. Where would you find the talus bone in the human body?

5. A dendrologist studies dentures, metals, or trees?

(see bottom for answers)

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You may find great satisfaction in spending time with family and friends. You might be able to develop a better understanding of your personal desires and those of others. Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 18, 40, 44, 47.

If you have a change of heart about making career moves, that may give you some special benefits. You might receive a major salary raise or a more lucrative position. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 11, 18, 35, 37.

With insight, you may be able to find new ways to deal with life’s issues. Identifying problems now might encourage you to move forward with different perspectives. Lucky Numbers: 12, 20, 36, 37, 39, 47.

You may be called upon to assume a position of leadership and social importance. In this role, you might be able to wield considerable influence over others. Lucky Numbers: 8, 12, 20, 32, 41, 43.

You may seek a deeper level of awareness from within or receive guidance from other people. Your thoughts and ideas might turn to resolutions and problem-solving. Lucky Numbers: 12, 23, 38, 43, 46, 47.

You may be able to bring a new perspective to many issues. Your intuition could be strong. This might be a time to be brilliant, original, and exciting in your thinking. Lucky Numbers: 6, 13, 17, 26, 33, 46.

Doors may open and new opportunities may present themselves. Any initiative or action you feel inclined to take right now might likely lead to a positive outcome for you. Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 15, 20, 46, 48.

You may be eager to lend a helping hand and be very generous. More than likely, you might make charitable donations or spend time with those who can use your help. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 42, 43, 46, 47.

Some offbeat or inventive ideas may stimulate your inner spirit. You might seek friends who can present you with different ways of looking at your situation. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 16, 24, 28, 29.

Try to put your practicality and self-reliance to work. The more logical side of your brain may be working. If you trust your judgment, others might trust you as well. Lucky Numbers: 32, 35, 37, 42, 45, 47.

This may be a time when precision, patience, and seriousness are required. If you can do this, you might be able to successfully deal with any complex problems that come up. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 6, 8, 34, 36.

Your imagination may run high and optimism could be contagious. You might be able to become who you want to be. Try not to lose touch with the inner you. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 22, 23, 44, 46.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Pisces winners with the luckiest number being 2.

Staying active: A volcano is deemed “active” if it has erupted in the last 10,000 years. The world has approximately 1,500 active volcanoes. Many of these are located in what is known as “the Pacific ring of fire.”

Ouch! Most people occasionally get canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, somewhere in their mouth. They are not contagious, and the exact cause isn’t known. Fortunately, they usually go away on their own within a few days.

Sweet and good: Cannoli is an Italian dessert. A fried, tube-shaped pastry is filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. There are many variations with additions such as chocolate chips, almonds, or candied fruit.

Frequent fliers: Magnificent Frigatebirds are “magnificent” to watch as they soar the skies along the coasts of the Caribbean Sea. Males have a big red pouch on their throats, which can be inflated to attract a mate.

French fame: Kayden Boche of France is a famous model best known for being in advertisements for a Christian Dior fragrance. He is also a music producer and songwriter.

May 4 - 10, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Going home: Dogs are loyal creatures, and Maru the bullmastiff is no exception. Born in a kennel in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, she moved to Krasnoyarsk, 800 kilometres (500 mi.) to the east, when she was purchased by a woman. Unfortunately, the woman had allergies, and she called the kennel’s owner, Alla Morozova, who arranged accompaniment for Maru to come back to the kennel by train. But Maru had other ideas. She jumped from the train when it was 200 kilometres (125 mi.) from her owner’s home and tried to walk back. Maru was found in an industrial section of Krasnoyarsk, close to the house where she had lived.

Sea of rock: When sailing a catamaran in the open ocean, sailors expect to see nothing but vast stretches of water. So a couple from Australia, Michael Hoult and Larissa Brill, were surprised to find themselves in a sea of rock during their trip to Fiji. The rock was pumice, which most likely had floated up to the surface after an underwater volcano erupted. When they discovered it, the expanse of rock was a few inches thick and covered the ocean as far as they could see. Their catamaran slowed down considerably while navigating through this “island” of porous rock.

Slow but scary: A roller coaster in Japan is not very fast moving, but it gives its riders quite a thrill. It’s called the SkyCycle, and it is located in the Washuzan Highland amusement park in the city of Okayama. It’s different from most roller coasters in that riders sit on a twin, bicycle-like apparatus and must pedal to move along the track, which has no guardrails. The track doesn’t have huge drops, but it is 590 feet above the ground, overlooking islands and cityscapes. The ride only takes about three minutes, but seems much longer because it’s so scary.

Cow therapy: When you think about cuddling with an animal, usually a dog or a cat comes to mind. Now there is a place where people can go cuddle with a cow. That place is on a farm in the state of New York (U.S.). Called Mountain House Farm, it is owned by Suzanne Vullers and her husband. For an hourly rate, guests can hug and cuddle with one of the farm’s two therapy cows, Bonnie and Bella. Vullers, who is from the Netherlands, also provides horses for cuddling, but she was aware of cow cuddling in Europe. She decided to extend the practice to the farm’s bovines, which are gentle and peaceful.

“Backward, turn backward O Time, in your flight, Make me a child again just for tonight!” - Elizabeth Akers Allen

“There is nothing harder than the softness of indifference.”

- Juan Montalvo

Here are some positive affirmations that we can all practice repeating to ourselves:

I believe in my ability to get through tough times.

I will not stress over things I cannot control.

The feelings in my body are normal and I fully accept them.

I have everything I need within me.

I am a loving human being.

It’s okay that yesterday felt like a hard day.

I am worthy of good things.

I have an inner sense of calm.

I let go of what I can’t change and do my best with what I can.

This will not break me.

I will be present and calm today.

All of my feelings are okay.

I get angry sometimes, but I am full of love.

I can take things one day, one hour, or one minute, at a time.

I have been through hard things before and have survived them.

1. The official flag of France has three vertical stripes. What colours are they?

2. How many countries comprise Scandinavia?

3. Which insect is known for its “waggle dance”?

4. Dermatitis and eczema affect what part of the body?

5. Which actor had the leading male role in the movie Saturday Night Fever?

(see bottom for answers)

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This may be an advantageoustime for your personal relation-ship. Your mate might play a significant role in providing you opportunities to honestly express yourself. Lucky Numbers: 22, 26, 32, 36, 42, 46.

Your mind may be capable of very clear thinking right now. If you have much to learn, this might be a good time to study and pass along information and ideas. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 12, 21, 33, 45.

Much productive activity may be likely in your home. Do-it-your-self home improvements or tackling some ambitious projects in the house or yard might be on the agenda. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 30, 41, 46, 47.

This may be a happy and cooperative time for family or career matters. You might develop strong feelings of concern for anyone or anything that needs your support or direction. Lucky Numbers: 11, 19, 25, 29, 39, 44.

Your inventive side may have fun exploring new opportunities that might provide some pleasant returns. You may be able to break rules, or at least go outside of your old limits. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 9, 12, 13, 19.

You may need to keep yourself

surrounded by positive people. Your desire for love and affection might be strong and you could take positive action on feelings and creative impulses. Lucky Numbers: 15, 21, 27, 30, 34, 42.

You may be able to be assertive in the most charming manner. You might even be able to push with such grace that no one even understands what you are doing. Lucky Numbers: 3, 13, 15, 30, 40, 41.

You may feel that you lack clarity about your future and your purpose. Try to let go of the old ideals and permit some new, more appropriate ones to be formed. Lucky Numbers:1, 5, 17, 31, 39, 48.

You may be able to visualize your future prospects. You might be inspired by a reflection of your livelihood that motivates you to move in a whole new direction. LuckyNumbers: 2, 5, 15, 22, 27, 40.

Discovery and inventiveness may be major themes right now. You might be more adept in understanding information that comes from both internal and external sources. LuckyNumbers: 17, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38.

You may need to try to do something different. You might enjoy activities shared with family members. Try taking a break from your usual busy schedule. Lucky Numbers: 8, 9,13, 19, 27, 48.

Spiritual inspiration may enable you to use your imagination to more creatively communicate. Try to write your own story because reality can be very subjective to those who are present. Lucky Numbers: 3, 11, 16, 24, 25, 41.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Aquarius winners with the luckiest number being 9.

Careful eating: People who have celiac disease must eat a gluten-free diet. That’s because their digestive systems over react to gluten, a protein found in some grains, causing such symptoms as pain, nausea, and heartburn.

Surgery needed: Pain on the right side of the abdomen could mean that someone has appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. Sometimes the problem can be treated with antibiotics, but often an operation to remove the organ is required.

Long neck: The Qijianglong was a large, long-necked dinosaur that lived millions of years ago, during the Late Jurassic period. Fossils were found by construction workers in 2006 in the Qijiang District of China.

Big winner: Claude Monet, the famous French painter (1840-1926), had financial struggles. However, the tables turned when he won the national French lottery in 1890. After that, he was able to afford to continue painting.

Feelings: Emoticons use keyboard characters (punctuation marks, letters, and numbers) to make images that convey an emotion. An example is :-). An emoji, however, uses a drawing or cartoon to convey a feeling or idea.

April 27 - May 3, 2020 - Cowichan Valley/Ladysmith Edition

Walking backwards: Medi Bastoni, an Indonesian man from Dono, a small village in East Java, was so passionate about a cause that he walked backwards for over 700 kilometres (430 mi.). Bastoni was raising awareness about rainforest preservation. His backwards walk took him to his country’s capital of Jakarta, where he planned to meet with President Joko Widodo. What he wanted from the President was simple: a symbolic seed for a tree, which he would then plant near his village. Bastoni outfitted himself with a backpack full of supplies and a frame that held a rear-view mirror so he could see where he was going.

Petal power: A building in Venezuela can open and close like a flower. The Flor de Venezuela is also known as the Flor de Hanover because it was built for Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany. The architect, Fruto Vivas, wanted the building to reflect flowers, so he designed a building that has 16 enormous petals attached to a central stem. Using a hydraulic system, the petals can open and close, which is not only visually appealing, but also convenient if it rains. Once the Expo was over, the building was moved, piece-by-piece, to Barquisimeto in the western part of the country.

Quiet park: Vancouver, British Columbia, on Canada’s west coast, is home to Stanley Park, which covers an area of about 400 hectares (1,000 acres). Cyclists and walkers love pedalling on 27 kilometres (16.7 mi.) of trails that wind through and around the park. Stanley Park includes a variety of vegetation, including centuries-old red cedars, towering Douglas firs, and Pacific dogwoods, making it a quiet forest retreat in the middle of a big city. Walkers and cyclists who stick to the peripheral trail can watch float planes come and go on Vancouver Harbour and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.

Iconic sculpture: The red phone booth is an iconic sight in London, England, and there is a sculpture to recognize this symbol of English heritage. Called “Out of Order,” it was made by Scottish sculptor David Mach and installed in 1989 on Old London Road. “Out of Order” consists of 12 red phone booths that look like they have fallen into each other. Some viewers think that it symbolizes the death of the phone booth in this age of mobile phones, but the sculpture was installed before the use of those devices were as common as they are today. The sculpture is a great backdrop for tourists snapping selfies!

Limit your intake: You could watch 24-hour news channels, listen to dire warnings on social media, or visit countless websites and be bombarded with the angst of the moment. Instead, choose a single news source and decide how much limited time you’ll spend with it each day. Then stick to your plan.

Look to the past: Get hope from your past resilience. You have likely endured other unforeseen major life disrupters like 9/11, major hurricanes, or loss of a loved one. You made it through! And you are stronger because of it. Know that you will get through this. Remind yourself of your resilience on a regular basis.

Watch a funny video: Thanks to the huge popularity of YouTube, there are thousands of videos that can help you take your mind off current events, if only for three minutes at a time. Start to bookmark the funniest among them so you can return for a repeat viewing whenever things feel gloomy.

Look after your neighbours: You may be at low risk of severe consequences from the virus, but it may not be the same for your neighbours whose immune systems are compromised. The act of checking in on them (keeping 6 feet apart, of course) will not only make them feel good, it will make you feel good & remind you that there are others for whom this predicament is even more stressful.

Support your favourite local business: Buy a gift card to help the business owner now, and prepay for a wonderful meal you can have to celebrate when this pandemic is behind us.

Take advantage of found time: We could easily wallow for days, but that wouldn’t be productive. Focus on some things you have had no time for and accelerate your progress on other offerings. Do some painting, read a book, learn a new language, write in a daily journal.

1. Who said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”?

2. If you are a narcissist, are you egocentric or absent-minded?

3. What is the longest bony fish on Earth?

4. Name the daughters of former U.S. President and Mrs. Barack Obama.

5. How many hours does it take for a chicken to produce an egg?

(see bottom for answers)

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You may truly respect the rights and liberties of others. You might want to encourage others to explore their own original ideals and privileges as individuals. Lucky Numbers: 33, 37, 40, 43, 46, 48.

Your personal compassion may help you relate to others. You might find that you desire companionship and romance and could be looking for ways to enhance your relationships. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17.

Your relationships may deepen and grow on a very personal level. Your actions might lead you to a deeper understanding and bonding to a group of special friends. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 18.

Your mood may be very easygoing and agreeable. Lounging around at home and relaxing, or perhaps unwinding with friends, might appeal to you right now. Lucky Numbers: 12, 13, 23, 36, 41, 48.

Your trust and commitment to your personal relationships may reign high. You might learn how to be very tolerant of the “ups and downs” that happen in your life. Lucky Numbers: 1, 21, 25, 31, 33, 41.

You may need to give a strong voice to your fantasies and tell others about your imaginative dreams. Try to effectively describe them with your warmth and originality. Lucky Numbers: 15, 17, 23, 26, 40, 46.

This may be a good time to attend to details and to try to make your life more stable and secure. Eliminating waste and inefficiency might be important to you. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 13, 15, 28.

You may have optimism on your side, which might give you a positive assessment. You may be able to enjoy yourself while receiving some very favourable reviews. Lucky Numbers: 4, 17, 23, 32, 42, 47.

You may be more cooperative and receptive to the strategies of others. Your attitude might promote some harmonious relationships with everyone who is involved in a situation. Lucky Numbers: 12, 19, 20, 24, 26, 36.

Try to take the time that you need to evaluate your relationships. You may want to work toward
creating something deeper, more meaningful, and less superficial. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 8, 24, 41, 49.

You may be smart, quick thinking, and inventive. You might be able to look at old situations in new ways and break out of your old patterns of communication. Lucky Numbers: 1, 4, 11, 13, 20, 40.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Leo winners with the luckiest number being 1.

Turtle tracks: Raine Island, located in the Great Barrier Reef, is a nesting ground for green sea turtles. More than 15,000 female turtles at one time may attempt to lay their eggs on the short stretch of beach during nesting season.

Peanut butter: A small fruit that grows in South America is called peanut butter fruit. This orange or red fruit looks a bit like a grape tomato but smells like its name. When ripe, even its consistency is like that of peanut butter.

Prolific writer: Canadian author Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale that has been made into a successful TV series. The novel was originally published in 1985. A sequel called The Testaments was published in 2019.

Name calling: In South Korea, a common family name is “Kim,” which means “gold.” In fact, about 10 million people have that name – about 20 percent of the country. Other extremely common Korean family names are “Lee” and “Park.”

Footprints on the Moon: In 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to set foot on the Moon. Since then, 12 more astronauts have had the privilege of walking on this satellite of Earth.